By Sunny Atam, and Daniel Njienue, April, 1, 2020. News/Interview.
MAURITIUS-Bleeding economies, suspended flights, cancelled tours, disruption of businesses, closures of restaurants, and millions of people in total lockdown amid an extended nationwide holiday are just some of the results of the dreaded Coronavirus (Covid-19) that has caused more than 40,000 deaths worldwide, with over 300,000 new cases, and the last 200,000 cases happening in one week. As the Covid-19 continues to spreads, the world is still stunned as no permanent cure has yet been discovered. Engr. Philip Eju is a Nigerian-Mauritian citizen, based in Plaine Wilhems. In this brief interview with Afrikanwatch Network crew last night, he spoke of the Mauritian government measures on Covid-19 and other responsibilities taken without playing politics with the citizens’ life
EXCERPTS
Could you please tell us the situation in Mauritius concerning the Coronavirus?
The situation is under control, however the country is under lockdown. Cases of corona virus have been recorded and deaths as well.
What are the measures the government has put in place to curb the pandemic situation in Mauritius.
One of the measures is the lockdown. People can access supermarket, however based on a very strategic move to avoid over-crowding. Those whose first letter of their last name fall between A & F is allowed entry on a certain day and so on. Those who are Self-employed are to receive 5,000 rupees (Rs) equivalent of about 50,000Naira monthly during the crisis.
More so, all employees are to receive full salary in the month of March. Government has decided to contribute half of their basic salaries to employers only applicable to private sectors. Workers in informal sectors will also benefit from a grant amounting to 5100RS during the period of confinement.
How many cases have been so far recorded in the country?
A. So far, 143 cases recorded and 4 deaths.
How many people have died from the virus and what is the recovery rate?
None has been discharged yet
How often does the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth brief his citizens on the virus.
Daily briefing
Here in Nigeria, it’s a feeling of fear and anxiety. Currently, what is the general feeling amongst the people of Mauritius?
There is also a feeling of fear due to the high number of confirmed covid-19 cases. However, people are optimistic that they will get over it. Also considering the population… just about 2million
Don’t you think the low population of Mauritius may have made some of the measures easy and achievable?
It is not just about the population but the government’s love for its citizens. It’s about responsibility. Being responsive to your people.
Please tell us some of the economic effects of covid19 on the Mauritius economy
It has had a massive effect on the tourism sector especially since February. However, the government in partnership with the private sector is able to put the situation under control.
Engineer, how will you compare the response rate of the Mauritius government to that of the Nigerian government, are there lessons to be learnt?
I must commend the effort of the Nigerian government especially the Lagos state government for its effort. The government of Nigeria has a lot to learn from Mauritius with care and sincerity of purpose towards its citizens, considering the aforementioned initiative of the Mauritian government.
You mentioned responsibility here, do you think the Federal government of Nigeria has been responsible to her people enough? You also mentioned palliatives by the Mauritian government, but that’s not the case here in Nigeria, what do you make of this?
Well, we all know that the Nigerian government isn’t responsible enough, however we hope with time we can make the needed change through the ballot if only we do the right things.
How is the private sector participation in the fight again Covid-19 in Mauritius?
By adhering to policies set by government regarding the spread of the virus, backed with financial contributions.
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